2025 Season Preview: Class 5A Group 5

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2025-season-preview-class-5a-group-1/">2025 Season Preview: Class 5A Group 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2025-season-preview-class-5a-group-2/">2025 Season Preview: Class 5A Group 2</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2025-season-preview-class-5a-group-3/">2025 Season Preview: Class 5A Group 3</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2025-season-preview-class-5a-group-4/">2025 Season Preview: Class 5A Group 4</a>   No need to squint anymore when looking to the start of the Iowa high school football season. A new campaign kicks off on Aug. 29 with teams from across the state pursuing that magical run to a November appearance in the UNI-Dome.   Prep Redzone Iowa is getting readers ready for the action with group and district previews. Next up is Class 5A Group 5:   BETTENDORF   2024 Record: 8-2 (5A Playoff Qualifier)   Top Returnees:  [player_tooltip player_id='217007' first='Jack' last='Wessel'], ATH; [player_tooltip player_id='1240429' first='Hayden' last='Morrison'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1240430' first='Henry' last='Gillies'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1361135' first='Tyler' last='Nielsen'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='401666' first='Armon' last='Williams'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1609271' first='Gavin' last='Stecker'], LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1617635' first='Nick' last='Schaich'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1240428' first='Cam' last='Scupham'], K; [player_tooltip player_id='1240432' first='Owen' last='Schertz'], OL.   Notable Losses: Jackson Laver; Will Taylor; Jacob Whipple; Cole Odefey; Tommy Bloome; Matt Magistrelli; Caden Buhr; Connor Mack; Sam Beecher; Grant Koehler; Amari Washington; Eric Cary; Steven Clark; Zach Hamilton.   Key Games: Aug. 29 at Pleasant Valley; Oct. 3 vs Cedar Falls; Oct. 17 vs Cedar Rapids Kennedy   Outlook: The Bulldogs blasted off to an 8-0 start last fall only to lose their next two contests and see the season end in the 5A first round. Bettendorf is a sound program that won't let that disappointment linger. It will be motivated by it and out for bigger things in 2025. The pursuit will happen against a difficult schedule that will prepare the Bulldogs for the postseason. Graduation losses were significant, but plenty of talent returns. Stecker reports scholarship offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas State midway through his prep career. He'll be a key component to a strong defense Bettendorf can ride while it works out the kinks on the other side of the ball. Williams and Schaich anchor what can be a dominant D-Line, and Gillies and Nielsen are high-end defensive backs in what should be a salty secondary. The cupboard isn't bare on offense. Morrison is one of the better receivers in 5A, Wessel is a dynamic athlete and Schertz is an excellent building block on the O-Line. [player_tooltip player_id='740900' first='James' last='Bark'] and [player_tooltip player_id='980028' first='Cannon' last='Davis'] are intriguing prospects vying for QB1. Look for guys like [player_tooltip player_id='537228' first='Daniel' last='Owens'], [player_tooltip player_id='1240431' first='Kendyll' last='Kerr'], [player_tooltip player_id='1199300' first='Amari' last='Marshall'], [player_tooltip player_id='1198826' first='Caleb' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1199299' first='Zeke' last='Ehrler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1696645' first='Connor' last='Hill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1691575' first='Parker' last='Pierson'] to seize opportunities.   CEDAR FALLS   2024 Record: 5-5 (5A Playoff Qualifier)   Top Returnees: [player_tooltip player_id='1221971' first='Leyton' last='Wolf'], QB; Will Remmert, WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1810957' first='Trey' last='Reuter'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1619415' first='Jack' last='Carter'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1221969' first='Jaden' last='Ubben'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1619350' first='Tyler' last='Hermansen'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1221958' first='Ian' last='Fuchtman'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1584432' first='Brayden' last='Hanks'], LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1619460' first='Camden' last='Wroe'], LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1619341' first='Kyle' last='Bailey'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1617646' first='Izzah' last='Grandon'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1248121' first='Cael' last='Harms'], K; [player_tooltip player_id='1221959' first='Hayden' last='Bishop'], OL.   Notable Losses: Davarrion Clark; Ben Backes; Carsten Meester; Kailer Smith; Alex Weigel; Jonah Veatch; Jarrett Kies; Owen Dellinger; Owen Gregory; Will Tompkins; Connor Best.   Key Games: Sept. 5 vs Pleasant Valley; Oct. 3 at Bettendorf; Oct. 10 vs Cedar Rapids Prairie   Outlook: Cedar Falls reached the postseason for the eighth season in a row last fall. While the Tigers must make up the slack lost to graduation, a plethora of playmakers return. Wolf should be one of the better senior quarterbacks in the state with a pair of excellent targets in Remmert (UNI) and Reuter. Some dudes will need to step up on the O-Line, but Bishop is an excellent anchor there. The defense will be dangerous. Ubben (Drake), Bailey and Grandon will make life miserable for opposing offensive lines. Hanks and Wroe patrol and control the second level. Carter, Hermansen and Fuchtman hold it down in the back end. Harms is a special teams' weapon. A mix of older and younger inexperienced guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1696590' first='Ben' last='Kenkel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1221964' first='Josh' last='Grete'], [player_tooltip player_id='1399565' first='Parker' last='Yokem'], [player_tooltip player_id='1693001' first='Albert' last='Wilson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361286' first='Anthony' last='Pattee'], [player_tooltip player_id='1617645' first='Ayden' last='Moersfelder'], [player_tooltip player_id='1616418' first='Brady' last='Kies'], [player_tooltip player_id='1269106' first='Jeremiah' last='Tamayo-Lopez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361291' first='Joey' last='Goodwin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1630523' first='Baylor' last='Petrie'], [player_tooltip player_id='1630441' first='Carsen' last='Gary'], [player_tooltip player_id='1657032' first='Maddox' last='Krizek'], [player_tooltip player_id='1630766' first='Noah' last='Lee'], [player_tooltip player_id='1631113' first='Peyton' last='Pontnack'] and [player_tooltip player_id='205630' first='Taylor' last='Carter'] are looking to make the most of their opportunities for game reps.   CEDAR RAPIDS JEFFERSON   2024 Record: 5-4   Top Returnees: [player_tooltip player_id='1234329' first='Vernon' last='Benda'], QB; [player_tooltip player_id='617066' first='Uweza' last='Kalolero'], RB/DB; LJ Nyenow Jr., WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1581291' first='Lucas' last='Ranard'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1234332' first='Jermaine' last='Robinson'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1617708' first='Osten' last='Robertson'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1234334' first='Ty' last='Kuennen'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1249224' first='Yusto' last='Niyukuli'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1517049' first='Kayden' last='James'], LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1619374' first='Jaydon' last='McCauley'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1619347' first='Darius' last='Nixon'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1234331' first='Liam' last='Smith'], OL.   Notable Losses: Ishara Kalolero; Dayten Guy; Dawins Charles; Daythan Ehlert; LJ Elophe; Eli Szabo; Anthony Snodey III; Nelson Evans IV; Braylon Evans.   Key Games: Aug. 29 vs Cedar Rapids Washington; Sept. 26 vs Cedar Rapids Prairie; Oct. 10 vs Bettendorf   Outlook: The J-Hawks jumped out to a 4-0 start in 2024 only to drop four of their last five contests. They'll get back up on the horse this season in search of their first postseason berth since 2015. Progress has been made toward that goal. Following three winless campaigns in a row, Jefferson has gone 9-9 the last two years. Nyenow Jr. is one of the top pass catchers in Iowa. Ranard, Robinson and Robertson join him in forming one of the state's top receiver rooms. Kalolero stood out on defense a year ago and has a chance to contribute more with the ball in his hands. The defense should be productive, beginning up front with Nixon and McCauley. James collects tackles, and Kuennen and Niyukuli are playmakers in the secondary. [player_tooltip player_id='1234330' first='Evan' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1598214' first='George' last='Leach'], [player_tooltip player_id='1657030' first='Anthony' last='Hawkins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1702433' first='Kamarj' last='Richardson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1521136' first='Keshaun' last='Maurice Weeks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1657967' first='Tallan' last='Chandler'] are among a group of inexperienced guys seeking more playing time.   DUBUQUE HEMPSTEAD   2024 Record: 6-3   Top Returnees: [player_tooltip player_id='1241421' first='Avery' last='Keehner'], QB; [player_tooltip player_id='1241414' first='Jaden' last='Montgomery'], RB/LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1810988' first='Landon' last='McKay'], WR/DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1627228' first='McCoi' last='Knox'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1619418' first='Mason' last='Cook'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1819875' first='Tanner' last='Mueller'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1241486' first='RaQuann' last='Cooper'], OL; [player_tooltip player_id='1241413' first='Broderick' last='Sabers'], OL; [player_tooltip player_id='1241416' first='Luke' last='Baker'], OL.   Notable Losses: Quinn Breitbach; Kayden Hefel; Isaac Smith; Xander Wiskus; Austin McCarty; Trenton Ettema; Chase McElmeel; Dylan Duster; Robby Glab.   Key Games: Aug. 29 vs Cedar Rapids Kennedy; Sept. 19 vs Pleasant Valley; Oct. 10 vs Dubuque Senior   Outlook: Despite winning six games a year ago, the Mustangs stayed home for the playoffs. The 2025 schedule shapes up to reward them if they get to a half dozen victories again. While that will be challenging with graduation losses, Hempstead has reason for optimism with what's returning. That's especially the case on offense, where the line leads the way behind Cooper, Sabers and Baker. Keehner's development is a key to unlocking the unit's potential. Montgomery and McKay are two of the top two-way performers in 5A. Knox has breakout potential. Cook and Mueller head a defense needing new names to emerge. [player_tooltip player_id='1241417' first='Logan' last='Stuckey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241412' first='Brandon' last='Puccio'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241485' first='Samson' last='Kuhle'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241484' first='Tyshawn' last='Hargrove'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361324' first='Cole' last='Becker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361326' first='Langston' last='Milam'] and others have a chance to fill available roles.   DUBUQUE SENIOR   2024 Record: 1-8   Top Returnees: [player_tooltip player_id='1811024' first='Joey' last='Schlosser'], QB; [player_tooltip player_id='1619476' first='Teddy' last='Schlosser'], DB; Cain Bellis, LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1641944' first='Porter' last='Moeggenberg'], LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1530349' first='Peyton' last='Goedken'], LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1668070' first='Cory' last='Dukes'], LB; Timothy Parker, DL/OL.   Notable Losses: Daylin Moore; Mekyael Hall; Namolos Thompson; Drew Francois; Marshawn Dukes; Jalen Johnson; Sean Sweeney;   Key Games: Aug. 29 at Davenport Central; Sept. 19 at Muscatine; Oct. 10 at Hempstead   Outlook: The Rams were better on paper than a one-win team in 2024. They're aiming to connect that talent into an outfit that can play full games at a high level. While Senior would benefit from development throughout the roster, it can hang its hat on having a super linebacking unit. Bellis, Moeggenberg, Goedken and Dukes are proven performers on the defense's second level. The foursome is capable of more, which should be a headache for opponents. Parker will lead the front, and [player_tooltip player_id='1619476' first='Teddy' last='Schlosser'] is sound in the secondary. The Ram defense will likely have to hold it down early in the year while [player_tooltip player_id='1811024' first='Joey' last='Schlosser'] and the offense are gelling.   CEDAR RAPIDS PRAIRIE   2024 Record: 4-5   Top Returnees: [player_tooltip player_id='1619293' first='BJay' last='Bush Jr.'], RB; [player_tooltip player_id='1361747' first='David' last='Fason'], TE/DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1616459' first='Drew' last='Bennis'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1616458' first='Quantae' last='Alexander'], WR; [player_tooltip player_id='1216911' first='Max' last='Schwieger'], DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1619412' first='Brady' last='Peterka'], CB; [player_tooltip player_id='1616453' first='Carsyn' last='Hand'], LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1619401' first='Romeo' last='Klein-Foote'], DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1241371' first='Aiden' last='Packard'], OL; [player_tooltip player_id='1617665' first='Bubba' last='Donald'], OL; [player_tooltip player_id='1617666' first='Junior' last='Boxa'], K.   Notable Losses: Wyatt Eash; Quinton Alexander; Talan Jackson; Brandon Brune; Denzil Green; Tyler Beck; Drew Long; Kyden Adams; Nile Fall; Jace Tonne.   Key Games: Sept. 5 at Cedar Rapids Kennedy; Sept. 19 vs Waukee Northwest; Oct. 10 at Cedar Falls   Outlook: Prairie enjoyed highs in 2024. Early in the season, the Prairie Hawks topped Southeast Polk, which would go on to win its fourth Class 5A state championship in a row. Consistently performing at a high level is next on Prairie's to-do list. A strong group of returnees, key transfers and development of inexperienced players could have the Hawks achieving that goal. And that could mean a nice push into the playoffs. Fason might be the best two-way player in 5A, Bush Jr. is an accomplished running back and Bennis and Alexander are excellent targets on the outside. The O-Line will be formidable with Packard and Donald back, and [player_tooltip player_id='1207826' first='Will' last='Clausen'] transferring in from Benton Community. The running game should get a boost from incoming transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1361313' first='Dawson' last='Kahl'], City High's leading rusher in '24. Prairie welcomes back playmakers at all three levels of its defense in Klein-Foote, Hand, and Schwieger and Peterka. [player_tooltip player_id='458050' first='Cael' last='Kongshaug'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241374' first='Owen' last='Marxen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1656914' first='Devin' last='Mericle'] are three excellent quarterback prospects on the roster as the team searches for a new QB1. [player_tooltip player_id='1241373' first='Ben' last='Thalacker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1619412' first='Brady' last='Peterka'], [player_tooltip player_id='1693789' first='Daylon' last='Sam'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241375' first='Justin' last='Velky'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361333' first='Colt' last='Hobson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361334' first='Jonathan' last='Ibeawuchi'], [player_tooltip player_id='1093307' first='Nathan' last='Mulangaliro'] and other inexperienced players hope to take advantage of on-field opportunities.

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area